Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thousands gathered to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. “A day not to be denied,” began President Obama after his introduction. This project took 15 years and millions of dollars to erect. It was delayed because of Hurricane Irene.

“Let us draw strength from those earlier struggles,” Obama said. “Change has never been simple or without controversy.”